Scam phone calls in Three Rivers

18 January 2011, 15:52 | Updated: 18 January 2011, 15:54

Over the past week we have had two incidents where residents in Three Rivers have been phoned by someone claiming to be from the Council.

Their story is that you have been selected to receive some of your council tax back. Both times the figure mentioned was £7,000 and a person with a strong accent then asked for personal details including bank account information.

Fortunately both times they did not get any money. Be wary of any calls from 01234 567898 or 0203 567898.  This would appear to be a countrywide scam.

These numbers are also involved in scams claiming to be from the Telephone Preferential Service wanting money to register you.

Please follow the following advice to keep you safe from scammers

Overview

Scams are schemes to con you out of your money. They usually come by post, phone or email.

Fake lotteries and prize draws, bogus psychic predictions, get-rich-quick investments and so-called miracle health cures are just some of the many tricks that scammers try. The tactics that these conmen use are so powerful that it can be difficult to say no.

Every year, three million people fall victim, losing an average of £850 each, and sometimes a great deal more. And it's not just your money that's at risk. Being taken in by a scam can be very distressing.

The scammers are clever, and all kinds of people from all walks of life get duped. If you let down your guard, you too could become a victim.

Warning signs

It sounds too good to be true: Beware of hype and extravagant promises. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

You are contacted out of the blue: You may get a phone call, email or letter from someone you've never heard of.

You have to make a quick decision: Scammers don't like to give you time to think. They will try to pressure you into making a decision by saying things like 'If you don't act now, you'll miss out.'

You have to give away bank account details: Trustworthy firms will never contact you to ask for this information.

If you see any of these signs in a letter, phone call, text message or email, it could well be a scam.

First of all, don't reply. Then bin it, delete it or hang up. And if you're still unsure, you can contact Consumer Direct for advice on 08454 04 05 06.